A Lurgan man punched an officer three times to the head after police were called to reports that he had assaulted his ex-partner.
The 30-year-old’s barrister told court it was an “unfortunate incident” and claimed: “Something occurred but he accepts he went far beyond self-defence.”
Steven Hanna, of Balmoral Drive, appeared for sentencing on common assault, assault on police and resisting arrest at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on September 29, at 8.15pm, police were called to a disturbance at Shimna Walk, Lurgan, with a female claiming she was assaulted by a male in a property there.
When officers arrived, the reporting person was not present but a resident informed them that the defendant was upstairs.
Police spoke to Hanna who made an unsolicited comment that he assaulted his ex-partner after she assaulted him.
The defendant got aggressive and punched one of the officers three times tto the head.
He struggled with police who had to handcuff him inside their vehicle, but he continued and limb restraints had to be applied.
Hanna was arrested at 9.20pm and made no reply to caution.
On September 30, during an interview, the defendant made full admissions to the assault on police but made no comment regarding allegations he had assaulted his ex-partner.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “He was very open and honest with probation about his addiction issues. The pre-sentence report recommends probation saying he would benefit from it.”
He described it as an “unfortunate incident” and claimed: “Something occurred but he accepts he went far beyond self-defence.”
He added: “He then continued to behave badly to police but he has held his hands up immediately and realises his behaviour was wrong.”
District Judge Amanda Brady said: “Mr Hanna, I will give you credit for your limited record. You have a driving matter and a drugs matter but nothing of a violent nature.”
The defendant was sentenced to 18 months probation and a two year restraining order was also put in place.
